Harper County, Kansas

Survey Area KS077• Kansas

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Harper County, Kansas. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.

Soil Map Unit	Acres	Drainage	Hydro Group	Dwellings	Septic
Grant silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	45K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Shellabarger fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	30K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Nalim loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	29K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Nalim loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	27K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Woodward-Port complex, 0 to 20 percent slopes	26K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Pond Creek silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	23K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Crisfield sandy loam, rarely flooded	22K	Moderately well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Dale silt loam, rarely flooded	20K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Kirkland-Renfrow clay loams, 1 to 3 percent slopes	18K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Nashville silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	18K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Pond Creek silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Woodward-Quinlan loams, 1 to 3 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Kingman clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	11K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Lincoln loamy fine sand, occasionally flooded	11K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Hayes-Solvay loamy fine sands, 0 to 5 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Shellabarger fine sandy loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Bethany silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Kingfisher silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Aline-Derby fine sands, 5 to 12 percent slopes	7K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Gerlane fine sandy loam, occasionally flooded	7K	Moderately well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited

Soil Orders in This Area

The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 27% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 71% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

Gardening & Agriculture

Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.